Deborah Lindquist

Check out some of Deborah Lindquists latest collection " Cowgirl Meets Thunderdome"
Her pieces are limited edition as they are created from recycled materials combined with environmentally friendly fabric such as these Hemp.

Sustainability in the Fashion Industry

Sustainability and Fashion

Sustainability in Fashion is a very Broad Issue.

We can talk about ecologically produced fabric such as organic cotton which doesn’t harm the environment in its production as it is free from destructive toxic pesticides and chemical fertilizers.  Or, bamboo fabric which uses less water than any other in its fibre production.

 We can talk about designers using recycled clothing and remodelling them into new fashion.

Or, individuals doing there bit by producing less land fill.  We can all do this by handing down clothing to places like the Salvation Army and buying second hand or vintage clothing. Designers can also donate their scraps or off cuts from each production line. Every piece of fabric that doesn’t find its way to landfill has to help the environment. Whilst reading about different fabrics I came across Seacell. (it is a plant based synthetic, which is made from seaweed and purports to deliver vitamins and minerals through the wearer’s skin) Very interesting I thought. Fabric that is healthy for the skin.

Designers could also help the environment by purchasing the end runs of fabric. This would otherwise end up in landfill.

Nanotechnology may be the answer to fabric.  Silver nanoparticles are being added to fabric that kills bacteria making the fabric odour resistant. Eventually we could have dirt repellent clothing. Obviously the amount of water required to launder is incredible and a great burden on the world.  It seems an uphill battle for many designers to go Green and some do more green than others. Demand is the key and if we all start demanding more things can and will change.

In our study group we have decided to study Deborah Lindquist who has aptly been titled “Green Queen”. Deborah is an eco fashion brand which focuses on recycling fabric and uses also environmentally consciously produced fabric. She focuses on couture and ready-to-wear apparel and is based in Los Angeles, United States.

For her current collection “Rocker girl meets the Gypsy” she has used pre-loved materials such as vintage Cashmere, wool, leather, beaded wool and vintage buttons. She has also included eco fabric such as hemp, organic wool, peace silk, organic cotton and alpaca.  She is looking also to add soy silk, ingeo and sea cell (these are types of rayon).  The bustier seems to be prevalent throughout her designs.

She has dressed some mega stars such as Sharon Stone, Jessica Alba, Christina Aguilera and Rhianna.

Go to the link below to check out her designs.

www.deborahlindquist.com

Whats HOT and Whats NOT for 2011

All in all I’m Lovin the fashion for 2011. With Elegance being prominant throughout, I think its about  time that we all started dressing like real woman again.

Mad Men, the television series which focuses on life at a New York advertising agency in the early 1960’s, has definately influenced our fashion that we are seeing on the runways. The series which features all the looks of the era, with pencil skirts, lapelled suits, skinny ties, crinoline-puffed dresses and Peter Pan Collars. The very sexy, cunning and manipulative Joan Hollaway is the star of the show with her gorgeous hour glass figure, she always looks stunning. The fashion in this series is responsible for many of the Whats In Look. Bubble Up or Trickle Down there could be arguements for both. 

So lets take a look at the Whats in for 2011

Leather and lace gloves: Must haves. “Trickle down, Bubble up”

Late 70’s tailored pants  “ Trickle down, ”

Full below the knee circle skirts with a cinched in waist.  Both Louis Vuitton and Prada had the full circle skirts on the runway this year. Beware before choosing this look though, you need to have the right figure for it. Most importantly you need a waist, most suited for the hour glass figure or pear who usually has a smaller waist. If this is you then try this look out. “Trickle down”

Materials such as; Leather, Lace, Sheers  and Velvet “Trickle down”

Oversized knitted sweater cardigans; always comfy and warm so why not? “ Trickle down”

Floral Dresses OMG I just love these Louis Vuitton Cruise 2011 collection of dresses (if only I could afford them) “Trickle down” check it out picture below from the official Louis Vuitton website.

Turtlenecks well they are good for hiding the droopy chicken neck, but only good on those who are fortunate to have a long neck. “Trickle down”.

White tights and leggings (not sure about
 this one, maybe if your legs are super sexy and thin, you may be able to pull this one off) “Trickle down”.

Skirt lengths are falling: whether it be the midi, maxi or knee length (forget the mini this season) “Trickle down”.

Bangs or a Fringe as the Aussies like to call them, cheaper than botox yes  but unless you have dead straight hair they can be high maintenance. “Trickle down”.

SO WHATS OUT

Jeggings and thank goodness for that. Awful, Awful, Awful. I never liked them in the  first instance.

Nude is no longer, which is just as well as it didnt suit many skin tones, swap nude for tan, also check out Pantones Colour of the year for 2011. “Honeysuckle” pink 18-2120 (reddish, pink).You can even upgrade your Visa Card with the Honeysuckle Colour of the Year Visa Card.

Pantone colour swatch below from the official Pantone Website

Skinny leg jeans and ripped jeans

Bohemian style

Shoulder pads

Military jackets and coats

Tribal patterns and feathers

Mini skirts

Heavy zips incorporated into clothing

Bunny ears

Bye for now